All was not true according to PETRONAS as they denies regarding the popular motorsport event to return in Sepang following from the re-branded announcement of the circuit late last year. The rumor on the return was somehow picked up by most motoring and motorsports online portal and the netizens was for the most part being positive and eager on the news.

PETRONAS however were quick to update on the matter as they should when it involves the national interest amid the challenging economic situation that lies ahead within the year.

In an official statement, the energy company clarified, “Petronas refers to the news reports published on 31 January 2024 on the potential return of the Formula One Grand Prix to Sepang, Malaysia, in 2026,”

“We would like to confirm that there have been no discussions on bringing the sport back to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.”

Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif had also denied the rumours earlier today.

The Sepang Circuit, which hosted Formula One races from 1999 to 2017, decided to discontinue hosting the event after 2017 due to a combination of declining popularity and the substantial costs associated with organising the race.

From our point of view, there is no real needs for the sports to return here in the country following our lackluster effort in growing up talents within the industry due to its high cost and the passion it requires from the stakeholders. It is probably not until 2035 that our hope of seeing a new generation of prominent open-wheel type of athlete can be seen from our nation. By then, we hope that there would be more than just one grand prix or mid-sized racing circuit be available here in Malaysia.